by By Todd Haefer, The (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent

by By Todd Haefer, The (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent

Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.This week: Three beers from ScandanaviaAmager Bryghus, Kastrup, Denmarkamagerbryghus.dkNogne O, Grimstad, Norwaynogne-o.com

My holiday treat is not one but three reviews of beers from Scandinavian countries.

Although my parents were of German heritage, I did have a great-grandmother with the last name of Paulsen, and I live in the town of Scandinavia. However, there hasn't been a whole lot of beer action from Norway and Denmark in the U.S. through the years. Carnegie Stark Porter and beers from the Aass brewery come to mind as standouts.

That may be changing because of the efforts of importers Shelton Brothers, of Belchertown, Mass.

Hr. Frederiksen is a 10.5% ABV Russian imperial stout from the Amager brewery of Denmark that is marked by deep chocolate-cocoa and roasted malt coffee flavors, as opposed to a sweeter, more dark fruit-influenced imperial stout profile. I wouldn't quite call it a dry beer, but the bitterness from the roast and a kick of hops at the end prevent it from being a total chewy malt bomb.

The flavor is rich, the carbonation slightly prickly and the mouthfeel is robust - just like a strong cold-weather beer should be.

Nogne O is a brewery from Grimstad, Norway, and its Imperial Stout clocks in with a 9% ABV. It's made with oat and wheat, in addition to barley, which gives it a more complex flavor profile than the typical imperial stout, which is saying a lot.

Like the Frederiksen stout, it's also rich in chocolate and coffee, with a bit more caramel and a hint of grassy hops. What's odd about the beer is that it drinks light without seeming watery and still maintains a solid mouthfeel.

Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast beer is an oatmeal coffee stout with a 7.5% ABV. It's also rich and decadent, and is influenced by the American style more than of Great Britain. Its mix of tasty dark malts is accompanied by piney hops and more bitterness than the two prior stouts. It would probably be the favorite of hopheads. Mikkeller is also a product of the Nogne O brewery.

All three of these beers are highly recommended, with Hr. Frederiksen being my personal favorite. Shelton Brothers' state-by-state list of distributors is online here: sheltonbrothers.info/distribution/.

Merry Christmas and a hoppy new beer!

Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns Click here.